STAY TUNED: Am I 'Awake?' Encountering Dylan Minnette

To the delight of many Neapolitans, our area recently hosted Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. OK, so my "celebrity" sighting isn't that big time, but it does involve an up-and-comer with loads of talent.

On July 22, I went to Regal Gulf Coast Cinemas to see "The Dark Knight Rises" in all its IMAX glory. More than an hour before the movie's start time, a line began to form (can you believe it?). There among the patient fans, I saw this kid who somehow looked familiar; but I could not place him.

I didn't think much of it. After the movie, I saw him again just outside the men's room. This kid looks like someone I've seen on TV, I said to myself. But who? And from where? My faulty memory kept me from engaging him. That and I was keenly aware that approaching a boy of no more than 15 years — whom I didn't know — outside a men's restroom could be misconstrued.

It wasn't until after dinner it occurred to me. That's the kid from NBC's "Awake."

I quickly pulled up his image on my phone and asked my companion, "Is this the kid we just saw?"

"It looks a lot like him," was the response. But not likely.

A couple of days later, still wondering, I decided to look him up on the Internet.

I had been seeing this guy — Dylan Minnette — on TV for years. He was Jack Shephard's son on "Lost." He was Clay in "Saving Grace." He's guested on "Two And A Half Men," Law & Order: SVU," "Ghost Whisperer," and "Prison Break," and a host of other TV shows and movies.

But was it really he? While I was "doing research" on the Internet, I came across his personal Web page. His Twitter feed was part of the page.

First I see tweets about his Florida vacation, Disney World and Harry Potter. OK. So Mr. Minnette was in Florida. But Fort Myers?

Then the sweet tweets: "Jet Skiing at Ft. Myers Beach" and another confirming he saw the "Dark Knight Rises" on Sunday.

So there you have it: my close encounter with a future leading man. I tell you, this kid's got talent. And for a short time anyway, this young rising star's playground was our backyard.

Keep your eyes peeled Southwest Florida. Have a close encounter with a celebrity? Whether it's A or D-List — or anything in between — send me your story (and photos). I'd love to hear from you: bgreen@naplesnews.com.

Reader questions

Constance writes: "The only copy of an old 'Masterpiece Theater' production of 'The Ginger Tree' I can locate is at the Library of Congress. I am old enough to remember the video and would very much like to view it again."

Based on a novel by Oswald Wynd of the same name, "The Ginger Tree" is set in 1903 and is about a young Scotswoman who joins her diplomat fiancé in Manchuria. As she marries, she finds herself in a war zone. Unhappy with her husband, she falls for a married Japanese nobleman, Count Kentaro Kurihama, and eventually has his son.

"The Ginger Tree" holds the distinction of being the first high-definition television drama to air in the United States. It premiered on Oct. 14, 1990.

And you're right, Constance, it's nowhere to be found. Someone was selling a copy on eBay in 2005. But from what I read, it appeared to be a home recording, and the seller wanted more than $80 for it.

I'd bug the PBS store or Shop BBC America. If enough people request it, they will comply.

Responding to my rant last week about the absence of an Emmy nod for "Fringe," Barbara writes about her own beleaguered show: "I have been hoping to find someone with whom I can share my feelings about a new show 'Touch.'

"I think it is among the best programs ever to be on TV. It is fascinating, spellbinding, engrossing, educational and just plain superb. Keifer Sutherland and the young boy are fantastic. The boy is unbelievable in his acting and professionalism, and is absolutely adorable in every way. He truly deserves an Emmy.

"Hopefully, at some point, it will receive the credit it deserves. Can't wait to find out when it will return."

Good news — you'll be able to watch encore episodes of "Touch" at 11 p.m., Saturdays, starting Aug. 4 on Fox.

This fall, "Touch" is slated to air at 8 p.m., Fridays.

Until next time, Stay tuned!

Bill Green is a Naples Daily News/naplesnews.com journalist and a professional couch potato. Contact him at <a href="mailto:bgreen@naplesnews.com">bgreen@naplesnews.com</a>. Connect with him at facebook.com/billdgreen.